DT Dobbs ‘well ahead of schedule’ after knee injury

Niners running back Kendall Hunter and wide receiver Kyle Williams will both be ready for the start of training camp in late July after sustaining season-ending injuries in 2012.

Demarcus Dobbs? Put him in the “probably” column.

The 49ers defensive tackle is “well ahead of schedule” in his rehab after he sustained a partial tear of his ACL and PCL in a Dec. 9 game against the Dolphins, according to his agent, Wesley Spencer. Given his progress, Dobbs is expected to be ready for training camp, but the exact timetable for his return is uncertain, Spencer said.

Dobbs, 25, did not require surgery after he was injured in the third quarter of a win over Miami. In 2012, Dobbs, who played 44 defensive snaps, was a core special-teams player. He led the 49ers with 567 special-teams points when he was injured, according to a grading system used by the coaching staff.

This season, the former undrafted free agent hopes to provide much-needed depth along the defensive line, which has lost Isaac Sopoaga (Eagles) and Ricky Jean Francois (Colts) during free agency. The 49ers could use reinforcements behind tackles Ray McDonald and Justin Smith, who rank third and fourth, respectively, in snaps played by defensive linemen since 2011, according to ESPN.

Free-agent signee Glenn Dorsey, the presumptive starting nose guard, figures to also see time at tackle. In addition, the 49ers will address the position with at least one of their 13 draft picks. The other tackles on the current roster are Will Tukuafu, Tony Jerod-Eddie and Lamar Divens.